Lithuania’s new Culture Minister Ignotas Adomavičius has stirred controversy over his answers about Ukraine in an interview with lrytas.lt. Adomavičius called the questions about the status of Crimea and Kyiv’s war goals “provocative”, refusing to answer them.
“These are provocative questions, so let’s not even go there, because we’re not even talking about the Culture Ministry here,” Adomavičius said when asked “whose is Crimea”.
“No, let’s not play those games. You understand, we need to be… There is a line that we need to stop at. We need to stop right here. On these issues,” he continued when pressed.
He later requested that his answer be clarified: “It is occupied Ukrainian territory, which is now in Russia.”
Asked what he considered a victory for Ukraine, Adomavičius said it was a question for Ukraine to answer and not for him.
“Well… it’s a very difficult question. Really. In today’s context, it’s a very difficult question. The Ukrainians probably know best what their victory is. Not us,” he said. “We can only help, contribute. Our help can help them reach that victory. But only they can define what that victory could be. You can’t answer for someone else.”
The minister stressed, however, that Ukraine could achieve victory more quickly if the country addressed corruption. “Ukraine would win the war much faster if corruption were controlled there. If Ukraine itself controlled corruption, it could allocate more money to defence. It would defend itself faster, better, and in a more stable manner,” Adomavičius said.
He also argued that fighting corruption is Ukraine’s responsibility, not the Culture Ministry’s, but said Lithuania can contribute by providing information, knowledge, and assistance.
Adomavičius also confirmed plans to make one of his first official visits to Ukraine in his new role.
Protests were held last week in major Lithuanian cities against the appointment of the controversial Nemunas Dawn party to lead the Culture Ministry. Some organisers refused the patronage of the president, prime minister, or culture minister for their events, citing opposition to the party.
Censure from president
The President’s Office issued a statement on Friday, saying that Adomavičius’ position is unacceptable and may make him unsuitable to be minister.
“This position of the member of the Lithuanian government is incomprehensible, unacceptable, and raises a legitimate question as to whether this person can be a member of the government,” reads a comment from the President’s Office sent to BNS.
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